Some fecundity parameters and ovarian maturity criteria of ornamental red cherry shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)

The red cherry shrimp (RCS) Neocaridina davidi is a tiny shrimp that has a bright red color; therefore, it has become a popular ornamental species. The aims of this study are to determine the fecundity, egg size, and maturation time of the RCS at different sizes and also to determine its ovarian maturity criteria. A total of 18 adult female shrimps in 3 different size groups based on carapace length were used. They were grouped as small (S: 1.5-1.7 cm), medium (M: 1.8-2.0 cm), and large (L: 2.1-2.3 cm); a total of 36 adult male shrimps (1.5 ± 0.2 cm) were used in the research. The parameters observed in this study were fecundity, size of the egg (diameter), and gonadal maturity of the female. The L-size group of the RCS obtained the highest fecundity, the highest uniformity of egg size, and the fastest maturation period, so it can be concluded that the best reproductive performance was observed in the L-size group of RCS. We also determined 4 ovarian maturity criteria of the RCS so that they can be used for production efficiency, in further research, and for its culture.